3.3 Public Realm Guidelines - Georgetown Historic Planning
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3.3 Public Realm Guidelines Maintain natural and built elements that are character defining elements including topography, vegetation and historic public works when possible. (Earth work can occur for subterranean development but upon completion the original topographic elevations are restored.) 3.3.A Maintain the established progression of public-to-private spaces. A.1 The established pattern typically includes a sequence of experiences, beginning with the public street, the parkway and the sidewalk, proceeding along a “semi-public” yard, to a “semi- private” porch or entry feature and ending in the “private” spaces beyond. A.2 If a block face doesn’t include this sequence, follow the established predominant sequence. A.3 Provide a walkway running perpendicular from the street to the front entry. Use paving materials that are similar to those employed historically. CITY OF GEORGETOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES p. 166
3.3.B Street Patterns and Materials
(including curbs)
B.1 Any improvement in the public right-of
way should retain stone curbs and stone
steps.
B.2 Street width should be maintained and
not increased.
B.3 Street grid should remain intact.
Streets should not be blocked to create cul-
de-sacs.
3.3.C Sidewalks
C.1 Pedestrian Environment
Streets, sidewalks, and landscaping should
present a residential sense of scale rather
than a more urban, congested appearance.
Projects that have automobile activity
associated with them should be designed
to provide a safe environment for the
pedestrian. Automobile circulation patterns,
both internal and external, should be clearly
identified and should not interfere with
pedestrian circulation systems.
C.2 Where no sidewalk exists, one
should be installed that aligns with nearby
sidewalks.
3.3.D Parkways
Parkways should be planted with living
plant materials, grass or something low
growing (no more than 12” high).
L, T-B: Typical sidewalk in Old Town
CITY OF GEORGETOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES p. 167
3.3.E Street Trees
Trees should match the character of existing
street trees. Typically these are canopy trees
which are 40 to 50 feet tall. Trees should be
placed in the middle of the parkway or towards
the sidewalk leaving room for people to get out
of cars. Use modular suspended pavement
systems per UDC Section 12.06. If a parkway
is too narrow, trees should be planted in the
front yard toward the sidewalk. When possible,
trees should be placed no closer than 5 feet
from the back of curb and/or sidewalk, and
should adhere to city traffic guidelines for sight
triangles at intersections.
Existing trees lining the streetscape.
3.3.F Front Yard Landscaping
Where historic landscape features exist in
residential areas, they should be preserved
when feasible. In areas of the Overlay Districts
with traditional residential characteristics, site
features that may have been seen historically
include fences, sidewalks, walkways, and
areas of private landscaping.
F.1 Front sidewalk
a. Front sidewalk should link the public
sidewalk to the front door in a mostly direct
route.
b. The front sidewalk should be at least 36”
wide and no more than 60” wide.
c. Materials for the sidewalk should be
concrete, brick or a relatively smooth
paving stone and not gravel.
F.2 Preserve historic landscape features.
a. Existing historic landscape features
such as fences, sidewalks, and trees
should be preserved and protected during
construction. Replace only those portions
that are deteriorated beyond repair with like
design and materials.
T-B: Preservation of historic home.
CITY OF GEORGETOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES p. 168
b. Existing native plantings should be
preserved in place. This particularly applies
to significant trees and shrubs.
c. The use of rock and gravel is
discouraged, and if used, should only occur
as an accent element.
d. Minimize the amount of hard surface
paving for patios, terraces, or drives in front
yards.
F.3 In new landscape designs, use
materials that are compatible with the
historic context.
a. Front yards (area past the front façade)
are mostly grass. Shrubs should be limited
to foundation plantings and limited in the
center of the yard.
b. Front lawns should be graded down to
the sidewalk without the use of a retaining
wall when possible.
c. Front yards should be planted with
canopy trees. Ornamental trees should be
placed closer to the house.
d. Landscaping schemes that are simple
and subdued in character are encouraged.
T-B: Example of lawn maintenance/landscaping.
e. Using native trees, shrubs, and
wildflowers is encouraged.
Note that special provisions in f. Use plant materials in quantities and sizes
the Unified Development Code for that will have a meaningful impact in the
the preservation of Heritage and early years of a project.
Protected Trees apply. See
g. Avoid the use of landscaping ties or
Chapter 8 of the Unified railroad ties.
Development Code, which also
includes landscape and fence h. Extensive areas of exotic plantings, such
standards. as cacti and bamboo, and large ornamental
rocks are inappropriate.
CITY OF GEORGETOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES p. 169
3.3.G Fences & Retaining Walls
G.1 Fencing
a. A fence that defines a front yard should
be low to the ground, shall not exceed 4
feet, and be 50% “transparent” in nature.
b. Front yard fences along the property
line can be constructed out of the following
materials:
Masonry or stone walls
Masonry may be used at the base for no
higher than 8 inches, or on posts flanking
the walkway to support a gate or on corner Wood fencing.
posts.
Ornamental iron
Ornamental iron fences should be more
delicate than the standards for wood picket
fences.
Wood picket
Pickets should be vertical and should not
occupy more than 50% of the fence panel.
The pickets or materials should not be more
than 2.5 inches wide at its widest point.
Posts should be no more than 6 inches
wide. Solid, “stockade” fences do not allow
views into front yards and are inappropriate.
Chain link, concrete block, unfaced Ornamental iron and masonry fencing.
concrete, plastic, solid metal panel,
fiberglass, plywood, and mesh construction
fences are not appropriate.
c. Side yard fencing
A side or rear yard fence that is taller than its
front yard counterpart may be considered.
See UDC Chapter 8 for fence standards.
Side yard fences erected to the street side
of the building line and within the side street
setback may be of any of the above
materials not over four (4) feet in height.
Ornamental iron fencing.
CITY OF GEORGETOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES p. 170
Side yard fences behind the building may
be built to a height of six (6) feet. The
fence can be constructed as a privacy
fence from wood.
G.2 Retaining Walls
a. Retaining wall materials should be native
limestone or rough concrete modular units
no larger than 8 inches high. Railroad ties or
landscape timbers are out of character and
should be discouraged.
b. Wall should appear to be dry stacked.
Example of appropriate rear yard fencing and
retaining wall. c. Retaining walls outside of the lot line
should not be more than 24 inches in height.
d. When more height is needed then break
the retaining wall into a series of small walls
to allow a planting area between the walls.
T-B: Appropriate retaining walls.
CITY OF GEORGETOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES p. 171
3.3.H Mailboxes
Ganged mail boxes for multi-family structures
that sit on pedestal bases should be set behind
the front wall plane of the structure that is
closest to the front lot line and not in the front
yard.
3.3.I Utility Service Boxes
Above ground utility service boxes that need
to be the in front yard should be green and
screened with landscaping or should be
subterranean.
3.3.J Solid Waste Collection
Solid waste containers should be placed
anywhere in back of the front wall plane closest
to the street. The cans shall be screened with
some type of landscaping or fencing so that
the receptacles are not visible from the public
right-of-way.
3.3.K Rainwater Collection and Detention
K.1 Water should be directed to public right of
ways and not towards neighboring properties.
K.2 Rainwater collection systems should be
located behind the primary façade. They should
use traditional materials such as metal and
Wall hides solid waste collection.
wood; use of PVC containers or piping is not
appropriate.
3.3.L Mechanical Equipment
L.1 New mechanical equipment should be
located in such a way that it can not be seen
from the front of the building.
L.2 When mechanical equipment must be
attached to the exterior wall, historic exterior
wall material should be minimally affected. For
masonry walls, all attachments shall anchor
into the mortar rather than the masonry unit.
Mechanical and service boxes should not be exposed.
CITY OF GEORGETOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES p. 172
3.3.M Photo Voltaic & Solar Thermal
Installations
M.1 Photo voltaic and solar thermal
installations must be designed to be in scale
with the existing structure’s roof line, and must
not damage historical architectural features or
materials. These roof systems must be on the
same plane as the roof. The color of the panels
must be compatible with surrounding roof
materials.
M.2 Locate photo voltaic, solar thermal and
satellite dishes (external systems) on ancillary/
secondary structures or new additions to the
Solar panels should be placed out of public view. maximum extent possible. Solar panels may
not be visible from the public right-of-way.
3.3.N Exterior Lighting
N.1 Property owners are encouraged to
incorporate exterior lighting in renovations or
new construction.
N.2 Lighting on buildings, along pathways and
sidewalks, along the edge of the alleys and on
parking and porches is appropriate.
N.3 Harsh bright spots and shadows should be
avoided.
N.4 Property owners is encouraged to use
energy efficient lighting that is in the 3,000K
color range which provides a more natural-
looking light.
N.5 Lights should only shine directly onto
the property to which they are attached. They
should not shine onto an adjacent property.
N.6 Lights should be shielded so that there is
not a glare on adjacent properties, so that “dark
skies” are maintained and so light does not
bleed beyond the property lines.
Appropriate residential lighting.
CITY OF GEORGETOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES p. 173
3.3.O Front Yard Setback
New buildings and additions in Old Town
should respect the residential setbacks
established over time.
O.1 Principal Building
A new building should maintain the wall of
the building at the established residential
setback.
a. To determine the setback for a
primary structure average the setback
of the original façades of buildings on
the block face. The setback for the
buildings on the block face shall be
measured from the property line to the
face of the original building, excluding
patios or steps.
b. If the existing properties on the same
block face do not provide a different
context than the setbacks required by
the Unified Development Code, the
required setbacks shall apply.
c. There should be a defined front yard
with limited parking.
O.2 New residential buildings should meet
the minimum front setback requirement of
the UDC or use an increased setback if
the block has historically developed with
extended setbacks.
T-B: Example of residential setbacks in Old Town.
CITY OF GEORGETOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES p. 174
3.3.P Porches
P.1 Front porches should align with front
porches or building fronts on the same
block face.
P.2 Porches should be scaled to the
front façade and, where, applicable, side
street façade and should be of a style and
materials compatible with the architectural
style of the structure. Where an
architectural style does not typically include
a large front porch, the primary entrance
should have a characteristic overhang or
recessed entrance.
T-B: Examples of residential porches in Old Town.
CITY OF GEORGETOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES p. 1753.4 Site Development Guidelines
New construction in Old Town is encouraged if the proposed design and siting are
compatible with the District’s character. When siting new construction, compatibility
with existing setbacks, the spacing of buildings, and the orientation of buildings should
be considered. Compatibility of proposed landscaping, lighting, paving, signage, and
accessory buildings is also important.
3.4.A Maintain the Established Pattern of
Lot Development.
A.1 Respect and maintain the traditional
relationship of a structure to the street and
to neighboring properties.
A.2 Respect and maintain the common
orientation of structures, and the
established configuration of open space.
3.4.B Primary Entrances
B.1 The front door should face the street to
maintain the pattern of the neighborhood.
B.2 If multiple units are within the same
building at least one door must face the
street, other doors may face a common
landscaped area.
B.3 When more than one door faces a
street it is preferable that one door is more
dominant than the other. For example, as
you look at the building from the street,
only one door is visible or parallel to the
street. Secondary door may be located on
a front façade wall if the wall is recessed
20’ from the other front wall plane.
B.4 Multi-family and multi-tenant
commercial buildings may have multiple
entrances facing the street if the entrances
are designed to be clearly identified and
distinct.
T-B: Examples of new construction that respects setback
character with primary entrance facing the street.
CITY OF GEORGETOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES p. 1763.4.C Relationship to Neighbors
C.1 Side yard
Blocks that developed after 1920 might
have houses that are not located in the
center of a lot with different side yard
setbacks. Houses were often positioned
to one side to allow for access to
a garage in the back. If this is the
existing pattern in the block it should be
maintained.
C.2 Rear yard setbacks
In historic neighborhoods garages and
Side yard setback. other outbuildings were often placed 1- 2
feet off of the property line contrary to
current codes. These structures should
be retained and repaired rather than
demolished as they create a unique
historic character in the district.
C.3 Looming guidelines
a. When a 2-story addition is added on
to the rear or side of an existing home,
and the addition extends past the rear
wall of an adjacent house there may be
no windows placed on the second floor
that exceed the rear of the neighbor's
rear wall. The exception is that windows
Rear yard set back aligns with the setback of the are allowed if the sill height is 65 inches
perpendicular street.
or greater.
b. When an addition is made to an
existing garage or accessory structure,
or a new building added in the rear, the
new windows and doors must face into
the rear yard and not into the side or
rear neighbor's property.
Looming standard for new construction.
CITY OF GEORGETOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES p. 1773.4.D Location of Garages or Carports
Neighborhoods developed before World
War II have detached garages located
in the rear of the property. This is an
important characteristic that should be
respected and maintained.
D.1 It is preferred that garages/carports be
detached at the rear of the property.
D.2 It is preferred with an attached garage
or carport that the garage entrance does
not face the street.
Garage entrance must face street.
D.3 If the garage is attached and the
garage faces the street in front of the
primary elevation they should be located
behind the primary façade of the residence.
The setback from the front façade should
be no less than 15 feet.
D.4 Garages typically contain one or two
cars in Old Town. When an owner requires
more than a two car garage, the garage
should be placed behind the house.
D.5 A driveway should lead directly from
the street to the parking area.
Rear-facing garage.
D.6 A parking pad located in the front of a
residence is inappropriate.
Example of garage facing the street.
CITY OF GEORGETOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES p. 1783.4.E Parking Configuration and
Driveways
Driveways and parking require a great
extent of hard surface which can have a
detrimental effect on the historic character
of a district. Large expanses of concrete,
brick or crushed granite are not part of the
historic character.
E.1 Minimize the visual impacts of a
parking area
E.2 Front yard setbacks shall not be used
Driveway is single width at curb cut. for parking.
E.3 Driveways are typically single width
in Old Town. New driveway should be
single width at the curb cut and continue
at a single width until one reaches a length
suitable for one car to park in front of each
garage door or carport space.
E.4 Circular driveways are not allowed.
3.4.F Accessory Structures
F.1 Accessory structures should be located
in the rear of the property.
F.2 Accessory structures should be a
simplified historic style of the primary
dwelling and should be subordinate
(smaller and simpler) to the primary
dwelling.
F.3 Accessory structures should not be
attached to the primary structure.
Accessory structure located in rear of property.
CITY OF GEORGETOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES p. 1793.5 Building/Structure Guidelines
Overall, Old Town has preserved its residential feel and pedestrian-orientation with
sidewalks and generally lower traffic volumes on neighborhood streets. Most of the
residential buildings have historic significance and these resources should be preserved,
protected, and when feasible, incorporated into new developments.
The area should remain primarily residential in character with a minimum of non-
residential encroachment. Improvements should occur in a manner that enhances the
experience for residents and pedestrians, and that builds a sense of visual relatedness
between the residential and non-residential properties.
When determining context, the primary examples should be the block face of the block
on which the structure resides. Secondary context should use the block face across the
street. For those structures located within a National Register Historic District the district
as a whole should provide the context.
New construction compatible with historic character of the
district.
CITY OF GEORGETOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES p. 180Design Goals
The dominant character of this area should continue to be that of a
quiet, residential environment with a street edge that is oriented toward
pedestrian traffic from the nearby houses.
The design goals for the Old Town Overlay District are:
existing historic residential buildings rather than
• To rehabilitate existing
construct new buildin
buildings.
gs.
• To respect the design period or st style
yle of residential properties with
any additions or alterations.
• To respect the residential character of of the district.
• To continue the use of traditional building
building materials found in the
area.
area.
• To maintain traditional residential mass, size, and form of buildings
seen along the street (i.e., a building
building should generally be a
rectang
rectangular
ular mass that is one- to two-stories in height).
• To design commercial building
buildingss without store-front elements.
• To minimize the visual impacts of of automobiles.
• To locate parking to the rear of properties screened by buildings
and located to limit visibility from residential properties.
• To maintain a residential front yard appearance related to
landscaping
landscaping,, trees, lighting, etc.
CITY OF GEORGETOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES p. 1813.5.A. Respect Historic Styles
New construction in Old Town should
recognize and respect the historic
elements and patterns that exist within
the neighborhood. The design of new
structures should respond to the character
of existing structures, using them as a
source of inspiration for new designs.
Three National Register Historic Districts
are located in Old Town- the Belford
Historic District, the University Ave & Elm
Street Historic District, and the Olive Street
Historic District. The documentation of
these districts are excellent resources for
understanding the period of significance
and architectural styles. New construction
should avoid duplicating styles and
designs that are not associated with the
neighborhood. For example, a Santa Fe
style home would not be appropriate.
A.1 Building Form
One of the most prominent unifying
elements of the Old Town District is the
similarity in building form. Generally,
residential buildings are simple rectangular
solids, either wider than they are deep or
deeper than they are wide. Residential
roof forms are pitched. These building form
characteristics are important and should
be preserved.
A.2 Architectural Character
There is a variety of architectural character
in the Old Town area. There are simple
vernacular farm houses, Sears Roebuck
kit houses, and Prairie style architecture
as well as more elaborate Victorians.
Additions to existing buildings should be
respectful of a building’s original style
or design or in the case of subsequent
renovations the period of significance and T-B: Appropriate new construction compatible with the
historic district.
CITY OF GEORGETOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES p. 182seek to not alter that significance. New
construction should be sensitive to the
character of the existing buildings in the
area and any design should attempt to
maintain a similar mass and scale and be
in context to the area.
A.3 Properties designated by the City as
a High, Medium, or Low Priority Structure
shall be given a more in-depth review, so
that its architectural character is not lost
or damaged by any proposed addition or
alteration.
A.4 Avoid trying to change the overall
appearance of a building by adding
features and details that were never there
before.
3.5.B Infill Design/New Construction
The purpose of guidelines for new
construction is not to prevent change
in the Old Town Overlay District, but to
ensure that the District’s architectural and
historic character is respected. The height,
proportion, roof shape, materials, texture,
scale, and the details of the proposed
building must be compatible with existing
historic buildings in the District. However,
compatible contemporary designs rather
than historic duplications are encouraged.
T-B: Appropriate new construction compatible with the
historic district.
CITY OF GEORGETOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES p. 1833.5.C Massing, Scale and Form
A variety of building sizes exist in this area.
While contemporary design approaches
are encouraged, developments should
continue to exhibit a variety of sizes, similar
to the buildings seen traditionally in the
neighborhood.
C.1 The overall mass of a new building or
addition should convey a sense of human
scale. That is floor to floor heights on the
ground floor should not exceed 15 feet
on the ground floor and 12 feet on the
second floor. Building materials should
reflect a sense of scale that would appear
as if one or two persons could lift the
material. Monumental proportions are not
appropriate.
C.2 Scale
Buildings in the Old Town Overlay District
should appear similar in height and width
to residential structures seen traditionally in
the area.
C.3 Form
a. The main mass form should be a
simple square, a rectangle or an “L-Plan”
with an uncomplicated roof form, that T-B: Appropriate new construction compatible with the
historic district.
is having a minimum of roof plane
changes.
b. The proportions of the front façade
should be taller than it is wide.
New construction incompatible with the historic district.
CITY OF GEORGETOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES p. 1843.5.D Foundations
D.1 Height
First floor elevation should be a minimum of
12 inches above grade on front of house.
D.2 Materials
Appropriate materials for exposed
foundation walls are brick, stone or stucco.
Wooden structures may have wood
skirting. Cementitious wood siding board
(smooth not weathered) may be used on
buildings in lieu of real wood. Exposed
concrete stem walls must be clad in brick,
Example of first floor raised foundation.
stone or stucco.
3.5.E Roof
E.1 Form
The primary form should either be a gable
end that faces the street or a cross gable
that runs parallel to the street. Gable,
hipped, pyramidal and gambrel roofs are
appropriate.
E.2 Dormers
a. Dormers are also appropriate, but
must be designed so that there is a
relationship to windows on the main
building.
b. Dormers may also be front facing and
centered, but should not occupy more
than 40% of the roof plane. In other
words, dormers should not be so large
as to appear to be adding an additional
story to a structure.
c. Dormers on the side should not
occupy more than 60% of the roof plane.
E.3 Roof Pitch
Primary roof line should be between
5:12 and 10:12 in slope depending on
M-B: New construction incompatible with the the style of the house.
historic district.
CITY OF GEORGETOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES p. 185E.4 The following materials may be
acceptable depending on the building style.
• Dimensional asphalt shingle roofs that
emulate wood shingles.
• Real clay tile roofs
• Slate tiles
• Terra-cotta tiles
• Standing seam metal roofs with a
double munch or double lock
seam, no more than 1.5 inches high
and 18 inch wide pans.
• Grade A, smooth machine cut, real
wood shingles treated with fire
retardant. Shingles should be about
3/8” thick by about 5 inches wide.
• Built-up and membrane roofs are only
appropriate on slopes less than 1:10
and should be screened by a low
parapet
E.5 Eaves and Overhangs
Overhangs should be between 18 inches
and 24 inches to provide shade over
windows in summer months.
3.5.F Porches
F.1 Front porches contribute to the
ambiance of the street and encourage social
interaction. Porches are recommended as a
character defining feature.
F.2 Location
Porches should be located and accessible
from the first floor of the structure.
F.3 Porch Size
Porches should at least cover half of the first
floor façade facing the street horizontally.
T-B: Appropriate residential infill.
CITY OF GEORGETOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES p. 186F.4 Depth of Porch
The minimum depth of the porch should not
be less than six feet and the maximum depth
of the porch should not exceed 10 feet.
F.5 Porches Bulk
a. Porches should appear to be “added on
to the building” rather than cut out of the
building. In other words porches should
have their own roof that isn’t integral to the
rest of the building.
b. Porches on Craftsman and Prairie Style
houses can be under the primary roof.
F.6 Porch Roofs
A minimum of 60% of the front porch should
be covered by a roof or a trellis.
F.7 Porch Railings
a. There is a porch railing unique to Old
Town that is composed of 4X4 painted
wood balustrades spaced 6 inches apart
with a top and bottom rails of 2X6’s laid
flat. This railing detail may be duplicated
on all but the Victorian buildings.
b. Otherwise railings should be made
of wood and should not exceed thirty-
six inches in height measured from the
T-B: Residential porch. floor of the porch. The baluster spacing
should be continuous between columns.
Balusters should be composed of 50% or
less opaque material. Spacing between
balusters should be no less than 2”.
F.8 Porch Steps
Front stairs should appear as one set
of stairs even if there’s more than one
housing unit in the structure.
Appropriate front stairs.
CITY OF GEORGETOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES p. 187F.9 Open Porch The front porch should be open and not enclosed by any materials except screens. F.10 Height of Porch Floor The floor of the front porch should be raised above grade and no lower than one step below the first floor. F.11 Porch Roof Height No portion of the eave of a roof or trellis should be more than twelve feet in height when measured from the floor of the porch or exceed the ceiling height of the first floor. F.12 Porch Columns Porch columns should visually be able to support the porch roof. If the porch roof and decorative elements like spindles are thin and delicate then the columns can be thin. If the porch roof is substantial with large beams, then the porch columns need to be more substantial. F.13 Porch Foundation a. The porch must be supported by columns or foundation walls affixed to the ground. The columns should be no less than 18 inches by 18 inches. b. The space between the foundation columns should be infilled with vertical or horizontal wood siding or lattice (no diagonal lattice). Brick may also be used as an infill material. F.14 Painted Wood All exposed wood used for porches should be painted, not stained. The exception is that floor decking can be stained. F.15 Decks All decks should be on the rear of the structure and not visible from the street level. Wooden, elevated decks above the first floor T-B: Appropriate residential infill. level are not appropriate. CITY OF GEORGETOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES p. 188
G.1 Front Doors
a. The front door should be prominent
and face the street.
b. The front door can contain some
glass on upper portion in character
with the style of the house. Side lights
and transom lights are acceptable
alternatives.
c. Doors into separate units in the same
buildings should be situated so that
one door is prominent and the other is
subordinate.
G.2 Windows
a. Windows should generally comprise
30-45% of the front façade.
b. The windows should be about twice
as tall as they are wide and should have
the same sill and head height on each
floor of the building. The exception is
Modern Ranch houses.
c. Windows facing the street should
have all the same sill height on each
floor of the structure. Accent or feature
windows are excepted. Windows on
stair cases should follow the pitch of the
stairs.
d. Windows should be laid out
symmetrically in each bay (wall plane)
that faces the street.
T-B: Appropriate residential infill.
CITY OF GEORGETOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES p. 189e. Gang windows together rather than
using one large single pane window.
Ganged windows should be separated
by a no less than 7” wide trim piece.
f. A window should have trim that is at
least 4.5" wide. The window should be
recessed from the trim by at least 2”.
g. Shutters should be the same size as
the window they are adjacent to so if
they were to be closed they would cover
the window. Single or double shutters
are appropriate.
G.3 Window Materials
a. Windows should be made of wood
or aluminum-clad wood or fiberglass
clad wood. The profiles and jamb
conditions shall resemble the original
wood windows in detailing and profile
thickness.
b. Windows with muntins shall have
dimensional muntins on the exterior of
the glass and with a spacer inserted
between the glass in insulated windows.
Dimensional muntins on the interior are
optional.
c. Window glass may be insulated and/
or low-e glass but shall be clear and not
tinted.
T-B: Appropriate residential infill.
CITY OF GEORGETOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES p. 1903.5.H Exterior Building Materials
Building materials of structures should
contribute to the visual continuity of the
area. They should appear similar to those
seen traditionally to establish a sense of
visual continuity. Brick, stone, and wood
siding are the dominant materials and their
use in new construction is preferred.
H.1 Building materials for new construction
should be visually compatible with the
predominant materials of this area.
Materials for additions should be the same
Masonry. materials as the predominant materials of
the existing building.
H.2 New materials should relate to the
scale, durability, color, and texture of the
predominant materials of Old Town and
in the case of building additions, to the
existing structure.
H.3 Wood siding, brick, and stone should
be detailed to provide a human scale.
H.4 New materials should have a
demonstrated durability in the Central
Texas climate. For example, some façade
Brick. materials used in new construction are
more susceptible to weather and simply
do not last as long as stone or brick. Vinyl
siding is not allowed.
H.5 Historic building materials of existing
buildings should be maintained and
respected when additions are proposed.
See the Appendix for guidance related to
maintaining and protecting historic building
materials.
Stucco.
CITY OF GEORGETOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES p. 191H.6 Building Wall Materials
The following exterior building materials are
appropriate for new construction:
a. Horizontal wood or cementitious wood
siding with a 4-7 inch exposure (smooth
not weathered finish).
b. Wood shingle in a vertical pattern with
3” to 7” reveal.
c. Stone, brick or other masonry with
dimensions that are human scale, that is
with the appearance that they could be
Wood siding.
laid by hand.
d. Combinations
Creative combinations of the above are
encouraged to recreate natural textures,
so long as they meet the overall objective
of conveying a sense of permanence,
human scale and proportion.
e. Use of Wood Shingles
Wood shingles should be used as
second story cladding, on attic dormers,
gable ends and porch roof gables.
f. Use of Brick & Block
• Brick is encouraged, but the style of
brick should be similar to the brick
already found in the neighborhood, and
should be no larger than 2 2/3” X 8” with
mortar joints no larger than 1/4”.
• Brick should not be used on upper
floors unless brick is found on the
floors below.
• Concrete masonry units (CMU) or
concrete block should not be used as an
exposed exterior material.
Combination of materials.
CITY OF GEORGETOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES p. 192g. Use of Stone
• Native Texas stone is an appropriate
exterior material if used in the
scale of other stone found in the
neighborhood.
• Use of synthetic stone is not
appropriate unless the structure
already has synthetic stone.
h. Non-traditional siding materials are
discouraged.
• Typically, artificial stone and brick
veneer are not appropriate.
• Asphalt shingles are not appropriate.
Stone siding.
• Aluminum and vinyl are not
appropriate.
3.5.I Architectural Details & Features
I.1 Architectural details such as columns,
lintels, sills, rafters, door surrounds, and
decorative gable ends add visual interest to a
structure.
I.2 Use of appropriately scaled details is
encouraged.
I.3 Details should be consistent with the
design and style of the building.
Use of architectural features.
CITY OF GEORGETOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES p. 1933.5.J Design of Garages and Accessory
Buildings
J.1 Preserve an historic garage or
outbuilding structure when feasible.
J.2 Use the garage for parking. It may be
appropriate to alter an historic garage to
accommodate contemporary vehicles.
J.3 Garage doors visible from the street:
a. Repair rather than replace original or
historic doors that are significanttothe
character of the garage, if technically
feasible. Detached garage.
b. If repair of historic garage doors is not
technically feasible, new replacement
doors may be approved if they duplicate
the existing size, shape, proportion, profi
les, hardware, details, glazing, panel type
and design, and operation, and fit within
the existing opening.
J.4 New garages or carports must be
compatible in style, size, material, roof
profile, and details with the historic principle
building on the lot.
J.5 Siding on garages should match the
cover material on houses, except that wood Attached garage.
siding is acceptable in cases where the
house is constructed of masonry.
J.6 Avoid demolition. See UDC Section 3.13
for any proposed demolition in the Overlay
Districts.
J.7 In some cases, it may be appropriate to
re-position the historic garage on its original
site in order to accommodate other needs.
T-B: Appropriate side-entry attached garage.
CITY OF GEORGETOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES p. 1943.5.K Additions
An addition to a structure can radically
change its perceived scale and character
if inappropriately designed. When planning
an addition, the effect the addition will
have on the building itself should be
considered. When creating an addition,
keep the size of addition small in relation to
the main structure. If an addition must be
larger, it should be set apart from the main
structure and be connected with a smaller
linking element or placed to the rear, not
in prominent view from the street. A design
for a new addition that would create an
appearance inconsistent with the character
of the building, especially an historic one, is
discouraged.
One also should consider the effect the
addition may have on the character of a
street or neighborhood, as seen from the
public right-of-way or from neighboring
Acceptable addition. residential properties. For example, a side
addition may change the sense of rhythm
established by side yards in the block.
Locating the addition to the rear could be a
better solution in such a case.
The compatibility of proposed additions
with historic buildings will be reviewed
in terms of the mass, scale, materials,
roof form, proportion, and the spacing of
windows and doors. Additions that echo the
style of the original structure and additions
that introduce compatible contemporary
design are both acceptable.
CITY OF GEORGETOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES p. 195K.1 Design alterations and additions to be
compatible with the historic character of
the property. Building additions should be
in keeping with the original architectural
character, color, mass, scale, and
materials.
a. Minimize the visual impacts of an
addition. New additions should not be
so large as to overwhelm the original
structure because of location, size,
height or scale. It should be designed to
remain subordinate to the main
structure.
Detached rear addition.
b. Avoid alterations that would damage
historic features.
c. Avoid alterations that would hinder
the ability to interpret the design
character of the original building or
period of significance. Alterations that
seek to imply an earlier period than that
of the building are inappropriate.
d. New additions should not obscure or
demolish character defining features of
the original structure. An addition
to the front of a building is usually
inappropriate. Inappropriate addition.
• For example, loss or alteration of a
porch should be avoided.
K.2 An addition should be distinguishable
from the original building, even in subtle
ways, such that the character of the original
can be interpreted.
a. Creating a jog in the foundation
between the original and new structures
may help to define an addition.
CITY OF GEORGETOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES p. 196b. Even applying new trim board at the
connection point between the addition and
the original structure can help define the
addition.
c. An addition should be simple in design
to prevent it from competing with the
primary façade.
K.3 Location of Additions
a. Additions should be located
inconspicuously on the least character-
defining elevation.
b. Place additions on the first floor,
whenever possible, in portions of the
neighborhoods with predominantly one
story houses.
c. Additions should be to the rear of the
existing structure or as far away from the
public street unless there is sufficient
side yard width. Place an addition at the
rear of a building or set it back from the
front to minimize the visual impacts. This
will allow the original proportions and
character to remain prominent.
d. While a smaller addition is visually
Rear addition. preferable, if a residential addition would
be significantly larger than the original
building, one option is to separate it from
the primary building, when feasible, and
then link it with a smaller connecting
structure.
e. An addition shall be set back from any
primary, character-defining façade. If
sufficient side yard width is available, the
addition should be recessed behind the
front façade by a minimum of ten feet
(10'-0").
CITY OF GEORGETOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES p. 197f. Where nearby homes have a
distinctive pattern of varied front
elevation setbacks (e.g., recessed
entries), avoid filling in the spaces
between projecting elements to create a
flat or projecting front façade.
g. Where an addition is proposed to
be connected to the main structure via
a breezeway, the breezeway must be
of compatible character and materials
to the main structure and is limited in
length to 20 feet, unless site conditions
such as tree locations are determined to
One-story addition.
require an increased length.
K.4 The roof of a new addition shall be
in character with that of the primary
building.
a. Typically, gable, hip, and shed roofs
are appropriate for residential additions.
Flat roofs may be more appropriate for
commercial buildings.
b. Repeat existing roof slopes and
materials.
c. If the roof of the primary building is
symmetrically proportioned, the roof of
the addition should be similar One and a half story addition.
K.5 Second Story Additions
Consider adding dormers to create second
story spaces before changing the scale of
the building by adding a full second floor.
Two-story addition.
CITY OF GEORGETOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES p. 198K.6 Design of Additions should be
compatible with the primary structure.
a. Use roof forms, pitches, overhangs,
and materials that are similar to the
original structure.
b. Match window types, shapes, and
proportions similar to those of the
original structure.
c. Additions should acknowledge and
respect and where appropriate include
architectural features of existing building.
Craftsman addition.
K.7 Exterior Materials of Additions
a. The selection of exterior materials
should be compatible with the primary
building.
b. Use the same siding and roof
materials as used on the original
structure if possible.
c. Materials should strive to be the same
color, size, and proportion and used in
the same manner as the original house
but not necessarily used in the same
overall proportions. This allows the
addition to be recognized as an addition.
T-B: Compatible historic materials in additions.
K.8 The architectural features of existing
buildings should be protected when
additions are proposed.
Inappropriate additions.
CITY OF GEORGETOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES p. 199Style Specific Additions
Queen Anne/Italianate
One-Story Addition Two-story addition
Ranch
One-Story Addition Two-story addition
Craftsman/Prairie
One-Story Addition Two-story addition
CITY OF GEORGETOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES p. 200Cottage
One-Story Addition Two-story addition
Minimal Traditional
One-Story Addition Two-story addition
CITY OF GEORGETOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES p. 201K.9 Distinguish New from Old
a. Although designed to be compatible
with the original building, an addition
should be discernible from it. For
example, it can be differentiated from the
original building through a break
in roofline, cornice height, wall plane,
change in materials, siding profile, or
window type. Attention to materials and
details will be critical to achieving the
desired design unity.
b. Avoid overt changes between the
original structure and the new addition.
For example, it may not be possible to
extend an existing roof without a strong
contrast between the appearance of the
new and old roofing. In those cases, it
may be necessary to replace the old
surfacing material and replace it with the
new.
c. A vertical change should be
established between the original portions
of the house and the addition to avoid
one long wall plane. This change should
run from the foundation through to the
roof line.
Compatible with historic district.
CITY OF GEORGETOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES p. 2023.5.L Adapting a Residence to a
Commercial Use
When adapting a residence to a
commercial use, respect the residential
character of the building and neighborhood.
Converting a building to a new use that is
different from that which its design reflects
is considered to be “adaptive use”.
L.1 When residential use ceases to be
viable, the first preference is to choose new
uses that minimize any negative changes
in building features. Often there are new
uses that are inherently less disruptive
to residential structures such as a bed
and breakfast, professional offices, small
specialty restaurants, and personal service
businesses.
L.2 Seek uses that are compatible with the
historic character of the building and
neighborhood.
L.3 The primary goal should be preserving
the original residential character,
appearance, and scale of the structure.
Building uses that are closely related to
the original use are preferred. Avoid radical
Acceptable adaptive reuse of building. alterations to either the interior or exterior
of the structure.
L.4 Avoid altering porches and original
windows and doors.
CITY OF GEORGETOWN HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES p. 203L.5 When use changes demand that
structures be altered such that little
or no use can be made of the original
structure, consider moving the structure to a
compatible location. This should be an order
of last resort.
a. This move can be made to another
location on the same site or to a vacant
site in the neighborhood or another
neighborhood.
b. Historic structures should be relocated
within Old Town whenever possible.
3.5.M Architectural Barriers and
Accessibility
M.1 Accessibility to properties should be
achieved with careful and creative design
solutions when needed or required.
M.2 Ramps, lifts, and accessible entrances
should be designed in such a way to avoid
damage to character-defining features of a
building.
3.5.N Energy Efficiency
N.1 Construction of any new structures or Unobstructed, pedestrian-friendly pathways.
alterations to existing structures should be
done in such a way as to maintain
character while maximizing energy
efficiency.
Note: Historic buildings have
N.2 Maximizing energy efficiency should embodied energy. Demolition
in no case be motivation to demolish of historic material negates
a historic, contributing, or potentially the energy-efficiency of new
contributing structure, or to change a construction. Its is more energy-
structure in such a way that its historic
efficient to renovate an existing
features are modified or removed.
structure.
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